A robust transcutaneous electro-muscle stimulator (RTES): a multi-modality tool

This paper introduces a transcutaneous electro-muscle stimulator design that has a wide range of output capabilities. Because of this, the unit is referred to as a robust transcutaneous electro-muscle stimulator (RTES). The RTES is a constant current stimulator that is designed to be capable of generating significant tetanic contractions from large muscle groups, such as the quadriceps. It is capable of generating complex current pulse profiles and has been tested at pulse frequencies greater than 7500 Hz. It is routinely used to generate rectangular, bi-phasic pulses in muscle-modelling studies in ranges of widths from 3 to 1000 microseconds, amplitudes from -50 to +50 mA and frequencies from 10 to 60 Hz. The design extrema on pulse width and amplitude, are 1000 microseconds and +/- 100 mA respectively. Because of the stimulator's robust output characteristics, it is suitable for many types of electro-stimulation studies including pain management, edema reduction and more.